After an explosive first week that left the Gold Coast buzzing with cultural fervour, the excitement continues to soar as week two of BLEACH* Festival 2023 unveils a fresh lineup of artistic wonders.
Over 10 days, more than 300 artists will grace the stage, offering a staggering 218 performances across 38 events.
With the festivities already underway, it’s high time to navigate the myriad of events and make sure you’re not missing out on the must-see spectacles.
Here is your guide to week two of BLEACH* 2023:
HEARTBEATS
Where: Love Your Local North Burleigh Hub, Edy Park, The Esplanade, North Burleigh
When: 3pm, Sunday 13 August
Feel the powerful beats wash over you, as drummers come together in perfect harmony, telling melodic stories from the heart—struggle, triumph and most importantly, love. Come for a musical experience and leave transformed.
LOOKS LIKE A TOURIST
Where: Love Your Local North Burleigh Hub, Edy Park, The Esplanade, North Burleigh
When: 4pm, Saturday 12 August, 12pm, Sunday 13 August
Burleigh will transform into a vibrant sea of orange as Daniele Constance unveils her thought-provoking spectacle in this iconic Gold Coast locale. This grand choreographic masterpiece showcases a multitude of anonymous figures clad in vibrant tangerine inflatable attire, converging in a breathtaking display along the shoreline. Join the procession of orange-clad individuals and depart with a deeper awareness of your impact on the environment.
EMBERS
Where: Love Your Local North Burleigh Hub, Edy Park, The Esplanade, North Burleigh
When: 12pm Saturday 12 August & 12pm, Sunday 13 August
A warm welcome to families and children of every age, as we extend an invitation to engage with Aboriginal artist and revered fire master, the cherished fixture of festivals, Rick Roser. Rick graciously imparts his ancestral customs in this participatory session. Come gather around, delve into the centuries-old craft of string creation, and then embark on the enlightening journey of crafting fire by hand.
EDGE OF THE LENS
Where: Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
When: Friday 11 August, Gates Open 5pm, Performance commences 6pm *Ticketed event
Prepare for an enchanting sunset concert experience that defies all conventions. Under the guidance and co-curation of the esteemed concert pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska and visionary artist Tarita Botsman, this Australian premiere unveils a mesmerising fusion of ingenuity and creativity, uniting some of the nation’s boldest and most imaginative female composers and songwriters. A true sonic marvel, the program showcases compositions by Elena Kats-Chernin, Anne Boyd, Corinna Bonshek, Eve Klein, and Véronique Serret.
BOTANIC MELODIES
Where: Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
When: Saturday 12 August, Gates Open 5pm, *Ticketed event
Virtuosic sounds will fill the air as the 18-piece Riverside Guitar Ensemble and Queensland Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra, The Con Artists, take to the stage at this outdoor concert. Set amongst lush, oasis-like gardens, get lost in the soulful melodies of this stellar double bill line-up, as the sky transforms into a golden canvas. Led by the inimitable Karin Schaupp and Steve Newcomb.
KATIE NOONAN: JONI MITCHELL’S ‘BLUE’ 50th ANNIVERSARY
Where: Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
When: Sunday 13 August, Gates Open 1pm, *Ticketed event
Roll out the picnic rug, and let ARIA-award winning songbird Katie Noonan serenade you into sunset with tunes from Joni Mitchell’s landmark album, Blue. Accompanied by a five-piece band, this unique concert set amongst a backdrop of gum trees shouldn’t be missed. After selling out shows across the country, Noonan’s stirring performance will showcase songs from what Mitchell describes as the ‘purest emotional record’ of her stellar career.
BLEACH* AT BROADBEACH
Where: Broadbeach Cultural Precinct, 61 Sunshine Blvd, Mermaid Waters
When: Thursday 10 August – Saturday 12 August 5-10pm
Immerse yourself in wonder and delight at our festival garden—a place where no two nights are the same. Taking place across multiple pop-up venues, explore the magic of burlesque, theatre, stand-up comedy, drag, spoken word and much more. Brimming with incredible displays of creativity, one visit here simply isn’t enough. Running Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights during the second week of BLEACH* only, be sure to clear your calendar for this.
Pro tip: come hungry as there will be a selection of food trucks to enjoy including Cranky Joes dumplings, Samba (Paella), Mr Pulled, OMG Decadent Donuts PLUS there is an open bar!
LAST LIGHT
Where: North Burleigh Beach at Love Your Local North Burleigh Hub
When: Sunday 13 August, 5pm
As the sun sets on the final night of BLEACH*, surrender to the mesmerising frequencies of the Tower Divas at the electrifying world premiere. The soul-stirring performance seamlessly blends the awe-inspiring talents of Yolngu songstress Gambirra Illume, Maori sonic weaver Whaia, and Korean-born vocalist Sunny Kim. Directed by Gold Coast contemporary composer Corrina Bonshek, the original production is part ritual, part sound healing, and all heart.
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For the full program of events, visit: bleachfestival.com.au
